Hair accessories can be beautiful—but they also need to last. A cracked clip or frayed elastic can disappoint your customers and damage your brand. Choosing the right material is the first step to ensuring quality. It also helps avoid tariffs if you're sourcing smart from China.
The best materials for durable, non-tariff hair accessories include cellulose acetate, stainless steel, eco-resins, and premium elastics—all known for longevity, style flexibility, and tariff classification benefits.
At AceAccessory, we develop hair accessories with materials designed for both wearability and long-term resilience. Let’s explore how you can choose better for your brand.
What materials are used in hair clips?
Not all hair clips are created equal. Some snap after a few uses, while others last for years. The difference? Materials and construction.
Hair clips are typically made from plastic (ABS, PC), cellulose acetate, metal alloys (iron, brass, stainless steel), and resins. Each material affects durability, cost, comfort, and overall aesthetic.
Common Hair Clip Materials and Their Properties
| Material | Characteristics | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS Plastic | Injection-molded thermoplastic | Lightweight, low cost | Can break easily |
| Cellulose Acetate | Plant-based thermoplastic | Flexible, luxurious feel | Higher cost, limited colorfastness |
| Metal (Iron/Brass) | Stamped or die-cast alloys | Strong hold, premium look | Heavy, may rust if untreated |
| Stainless Steel | Corrosion-resistant alloy | Rustproof, long lifespan | Less design flexibility |
| Resin | Cast into molds, often decorative | High-gloss finish, vibrant color | May crack under stress |
We often recommend cellulose acetate for premium claw clips and stainless steel for internal springs or all-metal barrettes. These combinations deliver both function and fashion.
For brands targeting U.S. markets, we also help optimize material selection based on tariff-free classifications. For example, acetate often falls under HTS code 3926, which may have lower duties than metal accessories.
What are examples of hair accessories?
Hair accessories go far beyond basic ponytail holders. From utilitarian clips to runway-ready headbands, each accessory type serves a purpose—and uses different materials.
Popular hair accessories include claw clips, barrettes, scrunchies, headbands, hair ties, bobby pins, banana clips, and combs. Material choice varies depending on style, target customer, and functional need.
Hair Accessories and Their Common Materials
| Accessory Type | Primary Materials Used |
|---|---|
| Claw Clips | Cellulose acetate, ABS, metal springs |
| Scrunchies | Velvet, satin, cotton, elastic core |
| Barrettes | Metal, resin, decorative stones |
| Headbands | Fabric-covered plastic, padded foam |
| Hair Ties | Nylon-wrapped rubber, polyester cord |
| Pins & Clips | Iron or brass base, enamel, rhinestones |
At AceAccessory, we offer multi-material development—for instance:
- Claw clip base in acetate
- Embedded spring in nickel-free steel
- Decor in glitter resin or metal alloy
This hybrid approach allows brands to balance aesthetics and durability.
What is the best material for claw clips?
Claw clips are one of the most popular—and misproduced—items in the market. Cracking at the hinge or weak springs often ruin user experience.
The best material for claw clips is cellulose acetate for the body and stainless steel for the spring mechanism. This combo ensures flexibility, resistance to breakage, and a premium feel.
Why Cellulose Acetate?
- Sustainable: Made from plant cellulose
- Durable: Less brittle than ABS
- Beautiful: Marble, tortoiseshell, and transparent effects possible
- Flexible: Reduces stress cracking at the hinge
Paired with a stainless steel tension spring, acetate claw clips can endure hundreds of uses without loosening.
We helped one EU-based brand switch from ABS to acetate + steel. Return rates dropped by 72% and their Amazon reviews improved dramatically within two months.
What is the #1 hair accessory brand?
If you're sourcing for your own brand, it's helpful to know what works for the leaders. The top brands set quality expectations—and reveal material trends that customers love.
Top hair accessory brands include Scunci, Goody, Kitsch, France Luxe, and Invisibobble—each known for specific material choices, from eco-acetate to anti-snag elastics.
Top Brands and Material Innovation Focus
| Brand | Strength | Material Notes |
|---|---|---|
| France Luxe | Luxury styling clips | Cellulose acetate, hand-polished finish |
| Kitsch | Trend-driven, sustainability | Eco satin, recycled plastics |
| Invisibobble | Functional spirals | TPU (non-tangle, waterproof) |
| Goody | Mass market staples | ABS, polyester blends |
| Scunci | Wide reach, kid and adult lines | Metal clips, resin, budget-friendly fabrics |
AceAccessory follows these trends closely. We also offer private label support for clients who want to emulate similar looks or materials, but at a different price point.
We recently helped a U.S. DTC brand launch a “Better Than Luxe” line using polished acetate claw clips, embossed logos, and recyclable hangtags—with MOQs starting at just 300 pcs/style.
Conclusion
Material matters when it comes to hair accessories—both for longevity and tariff strategy. Cellulose acetate, stainless steel, eco-friendly resins, and quality elastics not only extend product life but also strengthen your brand’s position. At AceAccessory, we help you choose materials that last and ship smart.
